Crafting Futures: Learning New Skills with Uniqlo
This January, nine youths from our Community ARTS program were invited to UNIQLO UTC for an exciting opportunity to participate in a sashiko embroidery workshop led by ARTS Teaching Artist Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski (Sew Loka). UNIQLO is a Japanese apparel company that emphasizes quality and sustainability. Having recently opened their first store in San Diego at the UTC Mall, this was an exciting opportunity for everyone involved!
The workshop began with each participant exploring the store and selecting a t-shirt they wanted to work on. They were then invited to the RE.UNIQLO Studio, where Claudia provided an in-depth lesson on sashiko. This traditional Japanese craft involves decorative reinforcement stitching and is used to repair and beautify fabric with patches.
They could choose from special sashiko patches and customize their designs. Claudia guided them through embroidery patterns specific to this craft, introducing most participants to this new art form. After the session, each youth left with the supplies they used and some new creative skills, allowing them to continue their latest projects at home. Check out this completed design on a UNIQLO t-shirt gifted to Community ARTS participant Daniella B (image on the right).
“When youth are introduced to new spaces and skills outside of the ARTS Center, they are also introduced to new career pathways”
External opportunities, like this one, are not just about learning new skills. They open doors to a world of possibilities for the young people we serve. When they step out of the familiarity of the ARTS Center, they are not just exposed to new career pathways and learning opportunities. They are also given a glimpse of a future they might not have considered. Towards the end of the workshop, one of our participants expressed interest in job opportunities at UNIQLO. Their enthusiasm was met with a positive response and they were guided through the application process. In a conversation with the sustainability manager, Nelly Born, she shared an inspiring fact-all UNIQLO admin staff, including herself, started their careers as shop associates. Who knows, the future CEO of UNIQLO might just be a part of our program!
Completed shashiko design on Uniqlo t-shirt from Daniella B, Community ARTS
